Sanju Samson's Stunning Century Leads CSK to Victory Over MI in IPL 2026
Samson Shines with a Century at Wankhede
In an exhilarating IPL 2026 match on April 23, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson captivated fans with a remarkable century against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium.
After being invited to bat first by MI captain Hardik Pandya, CSK set a formidable target of 207 runs, with Samson scoring an impressive 101 runs off just 54 deliveries, featuring 10 fours and 6 sixes, achieving a strike rate of 187.04 and contributing nearly half of CSK's total.
For the Mumbai Indians, AM Ghazanfar was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs in his four overs, while left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar also claimed two wickets, conceding 37 runs at an economy of 9.20.
Samson's Performance Under Pressure
Sanju Samson once again proved his mettle for CSK, delivering a commanding century even as wickets fell around him. He initially sought a solid opening partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was dismissed for 22 runs at a score of 32/1.
Despite brief partnerships with Sarfaraz Khan (14), Dewald Brevis, and Kartik Sharma (18), Samson anchored the innings, ensuring CSK crossed the 150-run mark. In a 31-run partnership with Brevis, he contributed only nine runs but remained steadfast, allowing Brevis to play aggressively.
Samson reached his fifty in just 26 balls and took another 28 balls to complete his century, maintaining a strike rate above 180. In the final over, he was on 85 off 48 balls before hitting three sixes off Krish Bhagat to secure his second century of the season.
A Historic Achievement for Samson
Sanju Samson's century was not only a personal triumph but also a historic moment, as he became the first player in IPL history to score two centuries for two different franchises, having previously achieved this feat with the Rajasthan Royals.
His performance drew admiration from both fans and players alike, with MI players acknowledging his brilliance as he left the field after a match-defining innings that received applause from both sides.
Samson's century has sparked a wave of praise on social media, with fans labeling it a 'carry-job' masterclass and a 'peak Samson' performance, effectively silencing his critics.
Fans Celebrate Samson's Brilliance
Social media was abuzz with admiration for Samson's performance, with fans praising his evolved batting style and calling him a 'BOS player' who consistently entertains.
Many noted his strategic approach to batting, especially after facing criticism, highlighting his ability to pick the right moments to attack while respecting quality bowling.
Currently, Sanju Samson leads the run charts for CSK in IPL 2026, amassing 293 runs, including two centuries, at an average of 58.60 and a strike rate of 178.65 over seven matches.